Pearls of Prevention

The snow is finally here. When we were kids, we would hope for a snow day first. Second, we'd grab our sleds and hit the hills. I remember sliding down the hill in our backyard, taking a running start and going down head first. We knew we were at the end of the ride when we would slam into the fence at the bottom of the hill.

The ironic thing is, once I decided to blog about sledding and safety, many of my co-workers have told me their injury stories about sledding. One flew off her saucer and injured her ankle; another’s sister was hit in the back by a fellow sledder, and the list goes on.

Sledding should be fun. It should also be safe. So what to do?

• Supervision. Kids should be supervised by responsible adults. Drugs and alcohol do not pair well at all while sledding or supervising. Make sure you have a cell phone in case you have to call 911.
  
  
• The sled. Do not double up on a sled unless it is built for more than one rider. Inner tubes and saucers may be fast, but they have no steering capabilities. Check to make sure there are not any cracks, broken parts or any sharp edges to the sled.
  
  
• The hill. Sled only in marked areas. Do not, I repeat, do not sled onto a road! Stay away from sledding on frozen lakes/ponds/rivers; the ice may not be as thick as you think. Do not sled into a snow bank; you just do not know what you may be sledding into, like tree stumps or rocks. Make sure the sledding path is clear from hazards (trees, fences, light poles).
  
  
• Safety. Do not put the bike helmets away once the snow flies. Helmets should be worn sledding as well! Do not sled after dark, you may not see hazards. This is an important safety issue: Do not ride a sled being pulled by an ATV, car, snowmobile, etc. Safest way to sled is either by sitting straight up or laying on your back, feet first going down the hill. Head-first sledding increases the chance of a head injury. Also, teach kids to roll off of a sled that will not stop.
  
  
• Rules of the hill. Do not cut other people off. Wait your turn.
  

Enjoy the snow. There is plenty coming our way!

As the New Year comes to fruition, the thoughts of New Year’s resolutions pop into conversations. I can honestly say I am guilty of making grandiose plans for my resolutions. I am going to lose all this weight, I am going to read all the New York Times best sellers, and I am going to organize all my closets. Let’s get real. Lofty resolutions are destined to fail. My proposal is to make a real change, simple changes that can be met and maintained.

• Go to the doctor. OK, so you are the model of health. You feel great. But still, look at your family history. Is there Hypertension? Heart disease? Diabetes? When was the last time you had a complete physical? When was the last time you had your blood work? Mammogram? Two hours out of your busy schedule can mean years to your life, so schedule an annual preventive exam. Also don’t forget about your dentist, too!
  
  
• Quit smoking. I know that this is a tough one. You have tried before and failed. So, how about cutting down first? I have never been a smoker, but my dad is/was/is/was. I have seen him quit and then go back to smoking, it is a viscious circle.
  
  
• Don’t be a distracted driver. Life is busy, I get it, but seriously, distracted driving can be lethal. If you are tempted to text, put your phone in the trunk, glove compartment, somewhere out of reach. If you must take this call, pull over. If the call is that important, then you should focus on the call. The DOT came out with facts based on research regarding distracted driving. Simply put, put down the phone and just drive! http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/research.html
  
  
• Chocolate cake. It seems that we are busier with every passing year. Take a moment and think of something that makes you happy. Chocolate cake, new shoes, vacation, cop of coffee my list can go on, but it is about you!

Resolutions do not have to be huge. I have not lost all the weight, I have read only a few best sellers, my closets are still a mess, but I have my doctors appointment set, I don’t smoke, I don’t text and drive, and finally, I do have my thoughts of chocolate cake. Chocolate cake does sound good about now, too!

On the Twelfth Day of Prevention, to stay out of the ED, my husband said to me:

Don’t drink and drive for goodness sakes. This one is especially timely with all the holiday celebrations.

Have a wonderful, happy holiday season. And most of all … please be safe!

On the Eleventh Day of Prevention, to stay out of the ED, my husband said to me:

Holidays are fun and busy, but stressful for pets; please remember to keep them safe as well.

Many hazards come from ingesting toxic things. Animals do not always make the best digestive choices. A lot of people know that chocolate is toxic for dogs. Did you know grapes and raisins are, too? Avocados are toxic for birds. Alcoholic drinks, teas, and coffees should not be offered to pets or left unattended.